Fast Company | Brands That Matter | 2023 Call for Entires

EARLY RATE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24
 
 

The World's Leading Program to Showcase Brand Purpose

Brands That Matter will showcase brands that are more than the products they sell or the services they provide, that have achieved relevance through cultural impact and social engagement, and whose branding authentically communicates their missions and ideals.

Here's the information you need to know for the 2023 Brands That Matter Awards:

  • Early-Rate Deadline:Friday, February 24 ($695 application fee)
  • You can pay for a submission now using placeholder content, claim the early-rate, and continue working on your entry until the final deadline. Here is how to do so.
  • Winners will appear in the November 2023 Issue of Fast Company, and on fastcompany.com.
  • New this year: We’ve introduced several new categories to apply for that are specific to brands in the fields of Home, Luxury, and Pets, among others.
APPLY NOW

EARLY RATE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24 ($695)
 
REASONS TO APPLY
Brand Exposure
Be seen and evaluated by
Fast Company editors and reporters
Publicity
Appear in the November issue of Fast Company and on FastCompany.com
 
Recognition
Speaking opportunities at Fast Company events and exclusive invitations to influencer-only events
Exclusivity
Gain entry into this bold community of creative thinkers and professionals
 
 
 
CATEGORIES

 There are 30 categories. Entries are judged on timeliness, relevance, cultural and business impact, clarity, and ingenuity. Multiple honorees will be named in each category.
 
AI and Data
Tech in the artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning spaces highlighting and communicating brand purpose
 

Consumer (B2C)
Be honored in a special list that recognizes brands that provide products and services to consumers
 
Current Events

Special recognition for brands that initiated a high-impact response to major news and significant events in 2022, such as climate change, voting rights, and more
 
Education
Brands demonstrating purpose and elevating the learning space
 
Energy
Brands in the power, fuel, and renewables ecosystem that demonstrate impact and purpose
 
Family of Brands  NEW 
More than a parent company, but stewards of the brands we love
 
Fashion
Brands in the apparel, beauty, accessories, textiles and related businesses that show cultural impact and purpose
 
Finance

Banking, fintech, and financial services whose brands that are about more than the bottom line
 
Food
Agribusinesses, restaurants, consumer goods, and other brands serving up purpose and broad cultural relevance
 
General Excellence  NEW 
The most culturally-relevant brands with no specific category restrictions
 
Health and Wellness
Brands in fitness, self-care, medicine, and pharmaceuticals that improve body and mind
 
Home  NEW 
Brands that bring added purpose to where we live
 
Luxury  NEW 
Brands with value far beyond the price tag
 

Media/Advertising  NEW 
In a fragmented information landscape, these brands craft culture
 
Not-for-Profit
Be honored in a special list that recognizes brands in the nonprofit, philanthropic, or NGO (nongovernmental organization) space
 
Pets  NEW 

Brands bringing cultural impact to animal companionship
 
Public Service

Brands whose messages raise public awareness or offer educational information for the betterment of society
 
Retail
Brands showing purpose beyond the digital or physical storefront
 
Security
Brands that show purpose and differentiation as they help protect companies and consumers from digital warfare and privacy threats
 
Sports
Purpose-driven brands scoring in the world of professional and recreational sports
 
Transportation  NEW 
Brands that are shaping the ways we move around
 
Workplace
Enterprise software, design, real estate, and related brands elevating engagement to the physical and virtual office
 
 
Brands That Matter International
Brands based outside of the United States that have achieved relevance in their home markets through cultural impact and social engagement
Brands That Matter United States
Brands based in the United States that have achieved relevance in their home markets through cultural impact and social engagement
 
 
Small Business (Fewer Than 100 Employees)
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have fewer than 100 employees

Midsize Businesses (100–999 Employees)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have between 100 and 999 employees

Large Business (1,000+ Employees)

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have more than 1,000 employees
 
 

On the Rise: 0–4 Years in Business
Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business less than 4 years

Established Excellence: 5–14 Years in Business

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business between 5 and 14 Years

Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business

Be honored in a special list that recognizes products, projects, or services by companies that have been in business 15 years or more
 
APPLY NOW

EARLY RATE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 24